Data analysis and causal experimentation demonstrate that diversity makes us more creative, hard-working and diligent. Research done by scientists, psychologists, sociologists, economists and demographers shows that diverse groups are more innovative than ones lacking in diversity. Not only do people from diverse backgrounds bring different ideas to the table, but interactions with those who are different from oneself force group members to compromise and work together in a cooperative manner.

The tech sector of the US economy makes up 7.1% of the country’s gross domestic product. However, U.S. colleges aren’t keeping up the job growth in tech. Women are particularly underrepresented, with women earning just 18% of computer science degrees today versus 37% 20 years ago. In addition, the highest-paying tech jobs in NY are overwhelmingly held by men (80%), while women hold the majority (60%) of low-paying tech jobs. To address the shortfall in technical workers, it is critical to engage women as they are half the workforce.

Tony Prophet, Chief Equality Officer for Salesforce, shares the story behind Salesforce's move to focus on equality and highlights his four key strategic priorities: employee diversity groups, diverse workforce representation, inclusive culture, and advocacy for external equality policies in the communities in which they live.

By a strong majority (75%), young veterans, “… believe it would take them longer to find a job than an equally qualified nonvet,” according to a study conducted by iCIMS and RecruitMilitary. Among the challenges the vets face are: hiring managers that don’t understand (41%) or devalue (37%) their military experience; the difficulty of, “… translating military skills to civilian roles”; and job requirements for specialized experience. The article then describes real-world approaches to overcoming those barriers to hiring and retaining veterans.